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While visiting the women’s clinic for routine exams and breast health checkups is important, it’s equally essential to do self-exams at home to monitor any changes in your tissue. In fact, research shows 30% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in women will be breast cancer. If a recent visit to your women’s clinic has revealed abnormal breast tissue or a cancer diagnosis, learn more about the different stages of cancer and how detection and treatment may vary.

5 Different Stages of Breast Cancer

1. Stage 0

If you have been diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer, this means detection was made as early as possible. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ and is sometimes interpreted as a pre cancerous condition.  Stage 0 describes the evidence of abnormal or cancerous cells, but it has not spread to surrounding tissue. Treatment for Stage 0 can often involve closely monitoring the condition at your local women’s clinic with mammograms and ultrasounds.

2. Stage 1

Stage 1 breast cancer is the earliest stage of invasive breast cancer, there are cancerous cells present.  This particular stage is still considered early detection and offers a number of treatment options depending on where the cancer is located. Stage 1 cancer is defined as having a tumor up to two centimeters, or a cluster of cancer cells between .2 and two centimeters. Stage 1 is considered highly treatable and usually involves surgery and radiation to remove the cancerous cells or tumors.

3. Stage 2

women's clinicWhen someone is diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, it means the cancer has spread but is still contained in the mammary system. Symptoms of Stage 2 breast cancer include a tumor less than two centimeters, in addition to the presence of cancer in lymph nodes, or a larger tumor between two and five centimeters that has not spread to the lymph node system. Treatment for Stage 2 is similar to the first stage of breast cancer, but it may be more aggressive with the removal of impacted tissue.

4. Stage 3

Stage 3 breast cancer involves a spreading of the disease to more than four lymph nodes or to more distant sites. This stage may involve tumors less than two centimeters in size but more affected lymph nodes, or it may mean a tumor larger than five centimeters with cancer clusters in the lymph node system. Because this stage of cancer is invasive, radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy may all be utilized in the treatment process.

5. Stage 4

Stage 4 breast cancer is the most aggressive and invasive cancer diagnosis. Stage 4 means the cancer has invaded other areas of the body, including the brain, bones, or other organs. Because of how many areas of the body are impacted, Stage 4 breast cancer is considered incurable. However, there are a number of treatments available to help extend a woman’s life when facing this stage of breast cancer, including radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.

 

Women's Clinic of Lincoln, P.C. offers vital women’s health services to the community of Lincoln, NE. This women’s clinic provides the latest innovations in women’s health care, from preventative screenings to surgical options. Whether you need routine exams or prenatal care, the professionals at Women’s Clinic of Lincoln, P.C. are knowledgeable and compassionate in providing care. To learn more about this office, call (402) 434-3370 or visit their website.

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